Kelly Elizabeth Hutchinson

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: Teachers for Tomorrow

Hometown

Oakland, California

My Greatest Supporters

I am beyond grateful for my biggest supporters that have helped me through my journey at Saint Mary's. My parents are my biggest supporters. They have helped me through every part of my life and have supported my dreams and aspirations. My boyfriend has been by my side and helped me through the highs and lows. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends for always being there.

My Next Chapter

I am continuing my journey at Saint Mary's, as I will be attending graduate school to pursue a Multiple Subject Credential and Master of Arts in Teaching. My goal is to become a kindergarten or transitional kindergarten teacher.

Favorite Quote

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
— Nelson Mandela

Veronica Rivera

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: Special Education Teacher Education

Honors

Summa Cum Laude

Hometown

Discovery Bay, California

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporter was HP coach Josephine Aburquez and Dr. Rusoja.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Carpooling with colleagues from Los Medanos Community College. Meeting with classmates for group projects via Zoom. All the wonderful guest speakers from SMC: Eghosa Obaizamomwan-Hamilton, Dr. Hope Whitney, Dr. Bill Mullen.

My Next Chapter

My next chapter in life would be a full time special day class teacher in an elementary school.

Clubs and Activities

I was part of the High Potential Program and National Society of Leadership and Success.

Favorite Quote

"If a child cannot learn in the way we teach, then we
must teach in the way the child can learn"
— Lovaas

Victoria Renteria

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: Multiple Subject Teacher Education

Honors

Cum Laude

Hometown

San Diego, California

My Greatest Supporters

My parents, sister, friends, family members, and mentors! I want to thank my parents and sister for believing in me and helping me achieve my goals. Thank you to my friends for always being there for me and motivating me. Los quiero mucho! I also want to thank my JCL classmates, professors, and the HP family for constantly supporting me.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Traveling to India during Jan Term and making many amazing memories with my friends at SMC!

My Next Chapter

As an educator, I am excited to support my future students and community.

Favorite Quote

"Your ancestors are walking with you—inspired by your courage, resilience, and ALL that you've become"
— Roza Nozari

Taylor Welsh

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: General & Sociology

Honors

Summa Cum Laude
bell hooks
Jane Addams

Hometown

Walnut Creek, California

Award Bio

Taylor Welsh is a Sociology and Justice, Community, Leadership double major. Taylor views her time at Saint Mary's as a unique opportunity to cultivate her understanding of praxis-based approaches to social change. As a result, she has concentrated primarily on criminal justice reform in her sociological research. At Saint Mary’s, she co-founded the SMC Sustainability Blog as a Sustainability intern, which provided her with the opportunity to attend Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Conference; worked on the 4+1 Master's in Leadership Committee; and was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society. Additionally, Taylor serves as vice president of the Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society and is a Guyette Leadership Fellow. Upon graduating, Taylor hopes to pursue a career in the nonprofit industry to work in animal welfare and species conservation.

My Greatest Supporters

My mom, who has always helped me through the ups and downs in life and has been my role model. My dad, who has inspired me to persevere through hardships. My partner, Izzy Diaz, who supports me in everything I do and always believes in me. My family - Stew, Cole, Kai, Sydney, Abby, and Andrew - who always make me laugh and have a place for me at the table.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

In my first semester at Saint Mary's, I met who is now my partner of three years in my first seminar class. I couldn't be more thankful for being placed in the same class as him and will never forget Professor Jessie Turner's Seminar 01!

My Next Chapter

After graduating, I plan to pursue a career in the non-profit industry. I am passionate about animal welfare, species conservation, and prison/legal reform and hope to focus my work in these interests. For the following year, I have accepted a position with MyEd Prep, a high school preparation and college advising company. In the future, I am interested in pursuing a PhD in Sociology!

Clubs and Activities

Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society
Alpha Kappa Delta Sociological Honor Society Inductee
Guyette Leadership Fellow
SMC Sustainability Blog Co-Founder
Climate Reality Leadership Campus Corps Co-Director
Dean's Academic List Member

Favorite Quote

"I want to do something splendid... I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all, some day."
— Louisa May Alcott
SMC Seal for placeholder image

Taylor Marcus

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: General

Hometown

Oakland, California

Sarah Gallo

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: Multiple Subject Teacher Education

Honors

Cum Laude

Hometown

Modesto, California

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters are my parents, siblings, grandparents, and my closest friends!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

There are so many, but I would probably say basketball games Junior year. Cheering with my best friends and being as loud as possible!

My Next Chapter

I will be getting my Masters in Education and Reading Intervention Endorsement at the University of Portland through the PACE program. In this program, I will spend the school year teaching Second Grade at Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Clubs and Activities

InterVarsity
Gael Force
Portuguese Club
Compassion Club

Favorite Quote

"Be strong and courageous. So not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
— Deuteronomy 31:6
SMC Seal for placeholder image

Rachel Henke

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: Multiple Subject Teacher Education

Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Hometown

Pleasanton, California
SMC Seal for placeholder image

Noelle Phillips

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: General

Minor

Ethnic Studies & Law and Society

Honors

Cum Laude

Hometown

Mukilteo, Washington
SMC Seal for placeholder image

Mariam Nino

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: Multiple Subject Teacher Education

Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Hometown

Pleasanton, California
SMC Seal for placeholder image

Makenna Messina

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: 4+1 & Communication

Minor

Digital Studies

Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Hometown

Redmond, Washington

My Greatest Supporters

Throughout the past four years, my biggest support system has always been my family. My Mom and Dad encouraged me to work hard and pursue my passion of on-campus leadership. My two sisters, Marisa and Madison constantly showed me their never-ending support and love throughout my collegiate journey. Thank you to my family for pushing me to be the best version of myself!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

One of my favorite memories at Saint Mary’s is subsequently an experience I’m most proud of. During the Spring of my first year at SMC, I was the only female, first-year student hired as a Resident Advisor. Throughout all the highs and lows of being an RA for the past three years, I found value in my leadership style and was able to work with the most wonderful residents, duty teams and RDs!

My Next Chapter

As I take on this next chapter of my life, I am excited to see the values and experiences that I have obtained throughout my collegiate journey transpire into my future aspirations. I am currently enrolled in a 4+1 leadership program here at Saint Mary’s where I will graduate with a MA in Leadership & Organizational Development in May 2022!!

Clubs and Activities

Residential Experience, Resident Advisor
Residence Hall Association, Chair
Bias Incident Report Team, RA Student Representative
Gael Sisterhood, Membership Chair
Associated Students, Senior Week Committee Member
KSOE Strategic Planning Committee, Student Representative

Favorite Quote

“Keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things… your curiosity will lead you down the path of success”.
— Walt Disney